The Living and the Dead (2016): An Emotionally Haunting BBC Thriller starring Colin Morgan

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The psychological thriller genre isn’t one I gravitate towards. But now and again I make an exception. When I chanced upon this latest production from the BBC, without knowing anything about The Living and the Dead, I decided to watch the 6-part
miniseries and give it a chance.

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The Living and the Dead (2016) – An Emotionally Haunting BBC Thriller starring Colin Morgan. Reviewing the BBC drama. Text © Rissi JC

The series opener introduces us to Nathan Appleby (Colin Morgan), a man whose return to his ancestral farm incites darkness. Shortly after his return to the country home he grew up in, his mother dies which creates a choice for Nathan. Stay or return to a successful psychologist practice he operates in London. Soon, his wife Charlotte (Charlotte Spencer) arrives. With no disagreement from Charlotte, the loving couple decides to make a home for themselves in this valley.

RELATED BBC TV SHOW REVIEW | Dickesian (2015)  

Given that I went into this “blind,” I didn’t have any expectations of what this series would be about or its quality. Of course, the fact that BBC is emblazoned on the cover means the value, sets, and “look” of the production are sure to be gorgeous. Everything they set out to do, they do beautifully. But the story isn’t always so fortunate. Continue Reading on Silver Petticoat →

Content note: One scene shows a nude man swimming (from the back and side). There are about 2-4 sex scenes. Several scenes involve spirits, and another depicts dozens of people strung up in trees. A woman runs into the “v” of a tree, hanging herself; a girl is taken over by demon spirits and later suspended in the air by an invisible rope.  

This review first appeared on Silver Petticoat Review

Photos: BBC

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

8 comments

    1. My pleasure, SW! Hope you enjoy if you see it. And Merry (belated) Christmas to you as well. Hope you enjoy an amazing New Year! Glad to have you stop by. :)

  1. I saw this at work the other day and kind of stopped in my tracks! I hadn't heard of it, but it just looked like something I needed to see! While it sounds like it wasn't completely your cup of tea, I'm certainly intrigued enough by your review to actually find it for myself to watch.

    And now that you say it, I recognize Colin Morgan! I'd looked at him and thought he was familiar, but he looks super different with the longer hair and beard!

    1. It's really quite good, Rachel. Very "eerie" and romantic. Sort of a Gothic drama. I really did end up liking it. I think *some* of the things were taken to an extreme length and given that there no second season I'm really miffed that the final 5-10 seconds weren't chopped off, but contrary to what my review says, I DID like it. :)

      Colin Morgan is fabulous in this, so if you see it, I hope you enjoy! :)

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